Audra Gollenberg1, Kim Fendley2. 1. Associate Professor of Public Health, Shenandoah University, College of Arts & Sciences, Public Health Program, Winchester, VA 22601. 2. Associate Professor of Sociology, Shenandoah University, College of Arts & Sciences, Sociology Program, Winchester, VA 22601.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains a leading cause of infant death in the United States and in Virginia, the SIDS rate is higher than the national average. We sought to gauge the perceptions among community-identified stakeholders as to community resource needs to reduce SIDS. METHODS: We used snowball sampling to identify important community stakeholders to be interviewed as key informants. A semi-structured interview lasting 45 min-2 hours was delivered to determine resource needs to reduce SIDS, and whether high-risk community members were aware of SIDS risk factors among stakeholders representing a variety of disciplines. Interviews were conducted in two geographic areas with higher than average rates of infant mortality, an urban district, Winchester City, VA and a rural district, Page County, VA. RESULTS: A total of 74 interviews were completed with stakeholders in healthcare, health departments, social services, law enforcement, education/childcare, faith-based institutions, non-profit agencies and non-affiliated community members. The majority of respondents perceive that high-risk community members are not aware of factors that can lead to SIDS (50%). Participants suggested that more "education" is needed to further reduce the rates of SIDS in their communities (73%). Respondents detailed that more pervasive, strategic, and multi-channeled education is necessary to reduce cases of SIDS. CONCLUSION: Community leaders perceive that high-risk community members are not fully aware of risk factors that can lead to SIDS. Maternal/child health stakeholders in these Virginia locales suggested more community-based education as a potential solution to SIDS.
BACKGROUND: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains a leading cause of infant death in the United States and in Virginia, the SIDS rate is higher than the national average. We sought to gauge the perceptions among community-identified stakeholders as to community resource needs to reduce SIDS. METHODS: We used snowball sampling to identify important community stakeholders to be interviewed as key informants. A semi-structured interview lasting 45 min-2 hours was delivered to determine resource needs to reduce SIDS, and whether high-risk community members were aware of SIDS risk factors among stakeholders representing a variety of disciplines. Interviews were conducted in two geographic areas with higher than average rates of infant mortality, an urban district, Winchester City, VA and a rural district, Page County, VA. RESULTS: A total of 74 interviews were completed with stakeholders in healthcare, health departments, social services, law enforcement, education/childcare, faith-based institutions, non-profit agencies and non-affiliated community members. The majority of respondents perceive that high-risk community members are not aware of factors that can lead to SIDS (50%). Participants suggested that more "education" is needed to further reduce the rates of SIDS in their communities (73%). Respondents detailed that more pervasive, strategic, and multi-channeled education is necessary to reduce cases of SIDS. CONCLUSION: Community leaders perceive that high-risk community members are not fully aware of risk factors that can lead to SIDS. Maternal/child health stakeholders in these Virginia locales suggested more community-based education as a potential solution to SIDS.
Authors: Melissa L McPheeters; Sunil Kripalani; Neeraja B Peterson; Rachel T Idowu; Rebecca N Jerome; Shannon A Potter; Jeffrey C Andrews Journal: Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep) Date: 2012-08
Authors: Barbara A Israel; Edith A Parker; Zachary Rowe; Alicia Salvatore; Meredith Minkler; Jesús López; Arlene Butz; Adrian Mosley; Lucretia Coates; George Lambert; Paul A Potito; Barbara Brenner; Maribel Rivera; Harry Romero; Beti Thompson; Gloria Coronado; Sandy Halstead Journal: Environ Health Perspect Date: 2005-10 Impact factor: 9.031